Bellcore changed its name to Telcordia Technologies today, hoping to cut its ties to the old telco world and establish itself as a leader in next-generation network technology.

The company was created out of the AT&T breakup in 1984, and has since provided software development, engineering, and research assistance to the Bell companies and their competitors.

But over the course of the last year, Bellcore has increasingly tried to downplay its historical links to the old circuit-switched telco networks, painting itself as a pioneer of packet-switched and Internet technology.

Today's announcement solidifies that strategy. The company says it will focus on helping communications companies transform old circuit-switched networks into modern packet-switched systems.

As reported earlier, the company will offer a new suite of products and services under the Telcordia name, grounded by consulting services, call agent software, and new carrier-grade operations support systems.

The company was acquired by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in late 1997, and no longer maintains close connections to the regional Bell phone companies. It was required to change its name as a condition of that sale.